'Mad Men': Jessica Pare moves way past Season 2 rejection

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Zap2it: How is it to be getting the degree of attention you have as Megan Draper on “Mad Men” lately?

Jessica Pare: I’ve been really fortunate. I’ve been doing this for about 15 years now, and there have been some really, really lean moments. It hasn’t always been the easiest career choice, but I have to say I’ve just been lucky.

I loved doing “Jack & Bobby” and “Wicker Park” and a film I did in Ireland last year (“Standby”) … and of course, with “Mad Men,” I’m totally spoiled. Most of my actor friends haven’t been able to do this without also having a day job, so that in itself makes me one of the most fortunate people I know. And to have this job on top of that? It’s just silly.

Zap2it: How familiar were you with “Mad Men” when you were cast in it?

Jessica Pare: I was a fan of the show. I had auditioned for a different part in Season 2, and when I didn’t get it, that was like major failure in my mind. After that, I experienced a sort of detachment where it was hard for me to watch the show, watching this great thing that I hadn’t been allowed to be a part of. It was difficult.

Zap2it: Now that you’re there, do you feel the wait was worth it?

Jessica Pare: We work really hard on the show, and everybody talks seriously about it. While I am biased, and I will admit it, I do think it’s the best show on TV … even better than a lot of the films made these days. It’s grittier, and with more depth and intelligence than most things.